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Abstract:

A wheel rim protector comprising a base comprising an external face and
an internal face, the external face comprising a curved profile and a
side-wall extending from a first side of the base is disclosed. Also
disclosed is a wheel rim protector comprising a base comprising one or
more kink and/or curve along a base length, an external face and an
internal face and a side-wall extending from a first side of the base.
Methods of making the wheel rim protectors are also disclosed.

Claims:

1. A wheel rim protector comprising: an elongate base comprising an
external face and an internal face, the external face comprising a curved
profile; and a side-wall extending from a first side of the base to
overlay a wheel rim edge when fitted to a wheel rim.

2. The wheel rim protector of claim 1 wherein the curved profile extends
a full width of the external surface.

3. The wheel rim protector of claim 1 wherein the external face is curved
at a region for overlaying the wheel rim circumferential outer surface.

4. The wheel rim protector of claim 1 wherein the base comprises one or
more kink and/or a curve along a base length.

5. The wheel rim protector of claim 1 wherein the one or more kink and/or
curve is intermittent along the base length.

7. The wheel rim protector of claim 1 further comprising a dust-cover
projection extending from the base on the opposite side to the side-wall.

8. The wheel rim protector of claim 1 wherein the side wall when fitted
to a rim does not make contact with a tire fitted to the rim.

9. A wheel rim protector comprising: a base comprising one or more kink
and/or curve along a base length, an external face and an internal face;
and a side-wall extending from a first side of the base to overlay a
wheel rim edge when fitted to a wheel rim.

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a wheel protector or wheel rim
protector. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention
relates to a wheel rim protector for protecting a vehicle wheel from
damage like that which may occur during parking.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Wheel rims are expensive components of vehicles. The cost of wheel
rims leads to expense when they must be replaced due to damage. Wheel
rims are often and easily damaged when contact is made with gutters and
curbs, such as, when parking.

[0003] CA02487481 discloses a wheel guard assembly which extends from the
wheel hub as a circular disk to protect the tire sidewall. Although the
wheel guard assembly of CA02487481 will protect the wheel rim it is
cumbersome and unsightly.

[0004] GB 2421483 teaches a wheel rim protector that is attached to the
tire with an adhesive and may require an installation tool to apply force
to aid adhesion. Aside from the difficulties of fitting the wheel rim
protector of GB 2421483, fitting to the tire has a negative impact on
ride quality, braking and tire wear and may be a safety hazard.

[0005] US 2008/0018168 discloses a wheel rim protector that mounts on a
wheel rim. The protector of US 2008/0018168 is either annular, in which
case it must be sized for each particular wheel rim, or may be extruded
into a spool.

[0006] GB 2426491 discloses a wheel rim protector that is glued to a wheel
rim and which has a lip which overlies the wheel rim.

[0007] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should
in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely
known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a wheel rim protector
and/or a method of protecting a wheel rim. A preferred object is to
provide a wheel rim protector that has improved adhesion to the wheel
rim.

[0009] It is an also a preferred object of this invention to overcome or
alleviate one or more of the above disadvantages of the prior art and/or
provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] Further objects will be evident from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention is broadly directed to providing an extrusion
or a wheel rim protector that attaches to a vehicle wheel rim. Preferably
the wheel rim protector has improved adhesion to the vehicle wheel rim or
generates less contact when striking a curb or other surface or both. The
improved adhesion may be achieved by providing the wheel rim protector
with a curved profile and/or with a curve and/or kink along the length of
the wheel rim protector. The lessening of contact when striking a curb or
other surface may be achieved by providing the wheel rim protector with a
curved profile.

[0012] In a first aspect, the invention resides in a wheel rim protector
comprising:

[0013] a base comprising an external face and an internal face, the
external

[0014] face comprising a curved profile; and

[0015] a side-wall extending from a first side of the base.

[0016] According to the first aspect the curved profile of the external
face may extend a full width of the external surface.

[0017] According to the first aspect the curved profile of the external
face may be curved at a region for overlaying the wheel rim
circumferential outer surface.

[0018] The curved profile may be outwardly curved or convex.

[0019] According to the first aspect the base may comprise one or more
kink and/or a curve along a base length.

[0020] According to the first aspect the one or more kink and/or curve may
be intermittent along the base length.

[0021] In a second aspect, the invention resides in a wheel rim protector
comprising:

[0022] a base comprising one or more kink and/or curve along a base
length, an external face and an internal face; and

[0023] a side-wall extending from a first side of the base.

[0024] According to the second aspect the external face may comprise a
curved profile.

[0025] The curved profile may be outwardly curved or convex.

[0026] According to either the first or second aspect the internal face
may comprise an adhesive disposed thereon.

[0027] According to either the first or second aspect the adhesive may be
covered by a removable cover.

[0028] According to either the first or second aspect the wheel rim
protector may further comprise a dust-cover projection extending from the
base on the opposite side to the side-wall.

[0029] According to either the first or second aspect the base may
comprise a polymeric material and/or a thermoplastic material.

[0030] According to either the first or second aspect the wheel rim
protector may comprise an extrusion.

[0031] According to either the first or second aspect the wheel rim
protector may be elongate.

[0032] According to either the first or second aspect the side wall when
fitted to a rim may not make contact with a tire fitted to the rim.

[0033] According to either the first or second aspect the base may cover a
circumferential outer surface of a wheel rim.

[0034] According to either the first or second aspect the base may be
applied to a wheel.

[0035] In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of producing a
wheel rim protector according to either the first aspect or the second
aspect including the step of extruding the wheel rim protector from an
extruder to thereby produce the wheel rim protector.

[0036] According to the third aspect the method may further include
applying an adhesive to the internal face of the wheel rim protector.

[0037] In a fourth aspect the invention provides a wheel rim protector
produced according to the method of the third aspect of the invention.

[0038] In a fifth aspect the invention provides a method of protecting a
wheel rim including the step of applying a wheel rim protector according
to either the first, second and/or third aspects to a wheel rim to
thereby protect the wheel rim.

[0039] In a sixth aspect the invention provides a vehicle wheel and/or
vehicle wheel rim comprising a wheel rim protector according to the
first, second and/or third aspects.

[0040] In a seventh aspect the invention provides an extruder for
extruding the wheel rim protector according to either the first aspect or
the second aspect.

[0041] In an eighth aspect the invention provides a system for extruding
the wheel rim protector according to either the first aspect or the
second aspect.

[0042] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from
the following detailed description.

[0043] In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or
similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a
method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not
include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not
listed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In order that the present invention may be readily understood and
put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying
illustrations wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements and
wherein:

[0045]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the
invention; and

[0046]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the
invention;

[0047]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the
invention in which the cover is being removed; and

[0048]FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the
invention being applied to a wheel rim.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The invention relates, at least in part, to a wheel rim protector
that attaches to a wheel rim. Preferably the wheel rim protector
comprises improved adhesion to the wheel rim or generates less contact
when striking a curb or other surface or both.

[0050] The present inventors have advantageously found that improved
adhesion to a wheel can be achieved by either providing the wheel rim
protector with a curved profile and/or with a kink or curve along the
length of the wheel rim protector.

[0051] The present invention has particular application to the protection
of vehicle wheel rims such as car and other vehicle rims. The present
invention advantageously avoids the damage to rims that frequently occurs
when curbs are contacted during parking.

[0052]FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a wheel rim protector 10 which
comprises base 12. Base 12 comprises an external face 14 which comprises
a curve or a curved profile and an internal face 16 which has an adhesive
26 disposed thereon. In other embodiments the adhesive may be applied to
the wheel rim protector 10 before fitting to a wheel rim.

[0053] Side-wall 18 extends from a first side of base 12 and dust-cover
projection 22 extends from base 12 on the opposite side to the side-wall
18.

[0054] The adhesive 26 has a removable cover 28 which is removed to expose
the adhesive before fitting the wheel rim protector 10 to a wheel rim 30,
as shown in FIG. 3. From FIG. 4 it can be seen that adhesive 26 adheres
to the wheel rim circumferential outer surface 32. In this arrangement
base 12 overlies and protects wheel rim 30 circumferential outer surface
32 which is the surface most likely to contact a curb. Removable cover 28
may be removed easily by hand without any tools.

[0055] When fitted to the wheel rim 30, side-wall 18 overlies and protects
the wheel rim circumferential outer edge 34. Side-wall 18 also extends
over part of the tire engaging surface 38 (not shown) which adjoins the
wheel circumferential outer edge 34. Preferably, side-wall 18 does not
make contact with the tire 40 fitted to wheel rim 30.

[0056] Wheel rim protector 10 can be easily fitted to a wheel rim 30
without any special tools and without removing or deflating tire 40. This
means a user can readily apply wheel rim protector 10 by themself.

[0057] When fitted to wheel rim 30 dust-cover projection 22 partially
overlies and protects that surface of the rim 30 that extends inwardly
with respect to the wheel axle from the circumferential outer surface 32,
the circumferential inner angled surface 36. The primary function of
dust-cover projection 22 is to prevent dust and other particulate from
associating with adhesive 26 and thereby negatively impacting on the seal
between the protector 10 and wheel rim 30.

[0058] Side-wall 18 extends at a right-angle or a 90° angle from
base 12. In other embodiments side-wall 18 extends at 60°,
65°, 70° or 85°. Based on the teachings herein, a
person of skill in the art is readily able to choose an appropriate
angle.

[0059] Dust-cover projection 22 extends at an angle of 113° from
base 12. In another embodiment dust-cover projection 22 may extend at
100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, 120°,
125° or 130°. Based on the teachings herein, a person of
skill in the art is readily able to choose an appropriate angle.

[0060] Advantageously, by disposing dust-cover projection 22 at an angle
it may readily conform to most rim types without negatively impacting on
the adhesion of protector 10.

[0061] In another embodiment dust-cover projection 22 may be a second side
wall similar to side-wall 18 and overlie and protect circumferential
inner angled surface 36.

[0062] The curved profile of external face 14 extends the full width of
base 12, i.e. from the edge or shoulder of base 12 that adjoins side-wall
18 to the edge or shoulder of base 12 adjoining dust-cover projection 22.
In another embodiment the curved profile extends only a part of the
external face 14. Suitably, the curved profile is curved at part or all
of a region overlaying the wheel rim circumferential outer surface 32.
Preferably, the curved profile is located at a section of external face
14 most likely to contact a curb.

[0063] The curved profile may be outwardly curved or convex.

[0064] In another embodiment the profile of external face 14 is angled so
that the base 12 reduces in thickness from a region near side-wall 18
towards a region near dust-cover projection 22.

[0065] The curved profile extends along the length of the base 12 that is
to overlay a wheel rim.

[0066] The surface of internal face 16 is substantially planar or planar
to conform with the substantially planar or planar surface of the
outwardly-facing circumferential outer surface 32 of wheel rim 30 to
which protector 10 is adhered.

[0067] Side-wall top 20 and dust-cover top 24 are curved. This is of
advantage because it avoids edges which may be prone to being pulled at
or on and result in removal of protector 10. Curved tops 20, 24 also
reduce the chance of cutting the skin when protector 10 is being applied.

[0068] Side-wall 18 becomes incrementally thinner from the edge or
shoulder of base 12 that adjoins side-wall 18 to side-wall top 20. The
thinning is accomplished by having the outer surface of side-wall 18
angled inwardly and the inner surface of side-wall 18 perpendicular. In
other embodiments side-wall 18 is of constant thickness or substantially
constant thickness.

[0069] Dust-cover projection 22 is of constant thickness. In other
embodiments dust-cover projection 22 becomes incrementally thinner from
the edge or shoulder of base 12 adjoining dust-cover projection 22 to
dust-cover top 24.

[0070] Protector 10 is attached with adhesive 26 which is a pressure
sensitive tape approved for use by auto manufacturers. In other
embodiments adhesive 26 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive, a two part
adhesive, cyanoacrylate or any other suitable type of adhesive or
adhesive system.

[0071] Adhesive 26 is removable allowing the wheel rim protector 10 once
applied to a wheel rim 30 to be removed from the wheel by hand. In
another embodiment the removable adhesive 26 requires a solvent for
removal of the wheel rim protector 10.

[0072] Protector 10 is made from a single material. In another embodiment
protector 10 may be manufactured from two or more different materials.

[0073] Adhesive 26 does not cover all of internal face 16 and there is a
gap between the adhesive 26 and side-wall 18 and dust-cover projection
22. In another embodiment adhesive 26 may cover all of internal face 16.

[0074] The outermost layer of protector 10 is base 12, in another
embodiment a more rigid outer skin may be mounted on external face 14.
The rigid outer skin may have a decorative feature that may include
colored or metalized films, paint, printing, decal, decoration or any
other cosmetic element.

[0075] In another embodiment protector 10 has an outermost layer of
decorative material.

[0076] Protector 10 is extruded. In extruded protector 10, base 12,
side-wall 18 and dust-cover projection 22 are formed in an integral
product. When extruded protector 10 is elongate and has two free ends.
This allows protector 10 to be cut to size as required to fit to wheel
rim 30. This has clear advantages over annular protectors which must be
manufactured to size, and stocked and purchased carefully.

[0077] In another embodiment protector 10 may be molded, cast, forged,
stampled, machined or made with another forming method or manufacturing
process.

[0078] When extruded into a length wheel rim protector 10 may be spooled
for storage.

[0079] Protector 10 is comprised of Santoprene which is a mixture of
in-situ cross linking of ethylene propylene diene M-class (EPDM) rubber
and polypropylene. Other suitable polymeric material and/or thermoplastic
materials may be used such as, a thermoplastic elastomer and/or an
elastomer.

[0080] Protector 10 is designed to resist abrasion and remain on the wheel
rim for repeated use. Protector 10 is a dark colour which hides abrasion
and is made of a high abrasion resistance Santoprene. Suitable dark
colours include grey, black, brown and purple.

[0081] Although it is able to resist abrasion protector 10 is also a
replaceable item so that when damaged, if so desired, it may be removed
and replaced.

[0082] Protector 10 has a specific gravity of 0.97 g/cc at 23° C.
as assessed by ASTM D792; a shore hardness of 64.0 at 0.12 in as assessed
by ASTM D2240; an ultimate tensile strength of 2.62 MPA as assessed by
across flow ASTM D4112; a tensile strength at break of 4.87 MPa as
assessed by ASTM D471; an elongation at break of 229.5% as assessed by
ASTM D471; a tear strength of 23.0 kN/m as assessed by ASTM D624; and a
compression set of 18% and 44% as assessed by ASTM D395. A skilled person
may select other suitable specific gravities, shore hardness, tensile
strengths, elongation at break, tear strengths and compression set.

[0083] The extrusion conditions used to manufacture protector 10 are a
processing temperature of 175-230° C.; a rear barrel temperature
of 177° C.; a middle barrel temperature of 182° C.; a front
barrel temperature of 182° C.; a nozzle temperature of
188-221° C.; a die temperature at extrusion of 199° C.; a
melt temperature at processing of 193-232° C.; a melt temperature
at extrusion of 196° C.; a drying temperature of 82.2° C.;
a dry time of 3 hours; a moisture content of 0.08%; a back pressure of
0.345-0.689 MPa at processing; a back pressure of 5-20 MPa at extrusion;
a clamp pressure of 41.4-68.9 MPa; a vent depth of 0.00254 cm; a cushion
of 0.317-0.635 cm; and a screw speed of 100-200 rpm.

[0084] From the teachings herein a skilled person is readily able to
select an appropriate extrusion method and appropriate extrusion
conditions which may differ to the above.

[0085] Of significant advantage during extrusion wheel rim protector 10
may be extruded to have one or more kink or a curve disposed along the
base length. The kink may be a biasing towards one direction.

[0086] The kink or curve may be a bend biased towards a consistent and/or
same direction. The bend may be a small bend.

[0087] The curve may be a slight curve selected to assist the wheel rim
protector adopt a curved shape to adhere to a wheel rim. The angle may be
between 1° and 25°. Suitably the angle may be between
1° and 10°. More suitable the angle may be between
1° and 5°. The angle may be 1, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5,
4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,
21, 22, 23, 24 or 25°.

[0088] The kink may be intermittent and disposed at a regular interval
along the base length. The kink may be disposed at every 10 cm of base
length. In other embodiments the kink may be disposed at 5, 10, 15, 20,
25, 30 or 35 cm intervals.

[0089] The invention also provides a method of producing a wheel rim
protector 10 including the step of extruding the wheel rim protector 10
from an extruder to thereby produce the wheel rim protector 10.

[0090] The method may also include applying the adhesive to the wheel rim
protector 10

[0091] Additionally, the invention provides a method of protecting a wheel
rim 30 including the step of applying a wheel rim protector 10 to thereby
protect the wheel rim.

[0092] The invention further provides a wheel and/or wheel rim that is
fitted with protector 10.

[0093] The wheel rim 30 may be cleaned and/or dried, as necessary, before
fitting the protector.

[0094] The invention also provides an extruder for extruding the wheel rim
protector 10.

[0095] The invention also provides a system for extruding the wheel rim
protector 10.

[0096] The present invention provides great advantages to those who wish
to protect their vehicle wheel rims from damage.

[0097] The present invention provides an affordable means of protecting
the significant outlay many car enthusiasts make in fitting their
vehicles with rims. Protector 10 is of significant advantage because it
is easy to fit, blends to the rim and covers any existing damage.

[0098] Further, the present invention may itself provide a decorative or
pleasing look to vehicle rims.

[0099] Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the
preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to
any one embodiment or specific collection of features. It will therefore
be appreciated by those of skill in the art that, in light of the instant
disclosure, various modifications and changes can be made in the
particular embodiments exemplified without departing from the scope of
the present invention.